Premium Fire Protection Ltd. and Kurt Bertrand agree to pay fines for Violations under the Alberta Fire Code

Premium Fire Protection Ltd. has agreed to pay $225,000 in fines plus a 20% victim fine surcharge for a total of $270,000 for 15 counts under the Safety Codes Act for violations of the Alberta Fire Code. The President of the company, Kurt Bertrand, has agreed to pay $25,000 in fines plus a victim fine surcharge of 20% for a total of $30,000 for four counts under the Safety Codes Act for violations under the Alberta Fire Code.

The City of Calgary and the Calgary Fire Department acknowledged that the sentencing sends a strong message to others who might consider contravening fire and life safety codes.

'This case underlines the importance of adhering to the Fire Code and ensuring that any work on life safety systems is completed by qualified and certified individuals,' said Deputy Chief Ken Uzeloc. 'These rules protect Calgarians from risk and potential harm - the choice to ignore them must carry a consequence.'

The charges followed an intensive investigation by Fire Safety Codes Officers related to the installation of life safety systems by unqualified and uncertified employees. Life safety systems are the front line of detection, protection, and suppression from fire and safety incidents. Companies and people providing life safety system services are responsible to comply with all requirements of the Fire Code. These systems include fire alarms, sprinkler systems, special suppression systems and fire extinguishers.

Under the Safety Codes Act, a fine amount for a first offence can be up to $100,000 and up to a maximum of $500,000 for subsequent offences and/or imprisonment.

To learn more about life safety systems,please visitcalgary.ca/fire

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